The Wasatch 100, one of the world’s oldest 100 mile races, starts at 5 a.m. MDT today (yes, on Friday… it’s a Utah thing). Wasatch also has a long history of being one of ultrarunning’s most competitive 100 milers. This year is no different despite no one from last year’s top 6 overall or last year’s women’s champ returning.

On the men’s side, Timmy Parr (CO), Evan Honeyfield (ID), Luke Nelson (ID), and Troy Howard (CO) have traveled to the Wasatch with a win in mind. As usual, outsiders will have to take on the men and women who call these trails home. Watch to Jared Campbell, Erik Storheim, Christian Johnson, and Ben Lewis to give the Colorado/Idaho contingent a solid challenge. Dark horses include California’s Tommy Nielsen (five-times Top 5 at Western States) and Ohio’s Jay Smithberger (sub-15 at Umstead 100 this year)

As for the women, Becker Wheeler, Salt Lake City’s Suzanne Lewis, Angela Shartel, Sarah Evans, and Emily Judd would be considered the favorites, while there’s plenty of room for an unknown to make a run for it.

If you’re interested in following here are multiple ways to get live 2011 Wasatch 100 coverage: